Our recommendations are made independently through Research & Testing. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links.

Hamilton Beach 31401 Countertop vs Cuisinart TOA-60 Side-by-Side Comparison

Alan Nguyen
Reviewer
Nguyen Ntk
Visual Specialist
Updated
Tested Using Methodology v1.0
Updated Mar 19, 2023
Tested Using Methodology v1.0
Updated Mar 19, 2023
The front of a closed stainless steel Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Capacity Countertop Toaster Oven on a white background.
The front of a closed Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer. The control panel is positioned horizontally on the upper front. Below the control panel is the door handle. The glass door is covered with an illustration.

Our Verdict

4.6
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    5.1/10
  • Design (25%)
    3.6/10
  • Usability (25%)
    4.6/10
8.4
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    8.7/10
  • Design (25%)
    9.2/10
  • Usability (25%)
    7.1/10

In the battle of performance, the Cuisinart TOA-60 was the clear winner. The oven’s steady and stable temperature, combined with a strong convection system, consistently produced excellent results. Its power draw of 1800 W and six nichrome heating elements are two of its other prominent features.

On the other hand, the Hamilton Beach 31401 performed well solely at making toast. It was the only test where the food attains an even surface color despite the absence of a convection system in the oven.

Its weaknesses showed through the processes of baking pizza, roasting a whole chicken, and baking french fries. The oven has 2 quartz heating elements running on 1200 Watts of power which save energy and are suitable for the oven’s small size. However, this specification causes the oven to under-perform for dishes that require a long cooking time and/or a high temperature.

Although both ovens have a simple design, the Cuisinart’s is also equipped with a slide-out crumb tray and an interior light. In addition to their 100% analog control, each oven brings something unique to the table: The Hamilton has a stay-on function while the Cuisinart can cover an extra cooking method with its air fryer basket.

The Hamilton Beach 31401 is for you if you’re looking for an inexpensive, lightweight, small-sized, energy-saving toaster oven for one to two people. The Cuisinart TOA-60 is more suitable for someone looking for a robust, high-quality, and high-performing medium-sized convection toaster oven.

Good for Toast Only

Hamilton Beach 4-Slice Toaster Oven Performance

Cuisinart TOA-60 Performance: Benefits of Powerful Convection and Heating
5.1
Performance Scores
  • Toast (40%)7.7/10
  • Pizza (25%)5.5/10
  • Whole Roasted Chicken (25%)1.0/10
  • Baked French Fries (10%)4.0/10
8.7
Performance Scores
  • Toast (40%)8.1/10
  • Pizza (25%)9.6/10
  • Whole Roasted Chicken (25%)8.5/10
  • Baked French Fries (10%)9.2/10
7.7

Toast

8.1
Taste: 8
50% * 8 = 4.0
Even Surface Color: 7.5
20% * 7.5 = 1.5
Consecutive Usability: 7.3
30% * 7.3 = 2.2
  • Function: Toast
  • Number Of Slices: 4
  • Toast Level: Medium
  • Cooking Time: 4m 15s
  • Second Batch: 4m 15s
  • Convection: No

With our Toast test, we determined the best option was right at the position of the Toast icon—around 4 minutes 15 seconds on the timer, scoring a 7.7/10. Turning the knob halfway down would result in no color and turning it halfway up nearly burnt the toast.

With 4m 15s, the Hamilton Beach produced 4 pieces with a light golden brown color on the top and golden on the bottom. Although that was great, the top and the bottom were quite different and they were both only about 80% even throughout. Thus, we gave it a 7.5/10.

The first batch of toast had a nice balance of crispiness on the outside and softness on the inside, deserving an 8/10 for taste. Our head chef Tuyet Pham determined it would go well with pretty much everything including eggs benedict, omelet, and especially sandwiches. It wasn’t as suitable for soup but the second batch was.

The second batch got crispier and more even in color. However, it also became browner so we gave it a 7.3/10 for consecutive usability. If you want the second batch to be the same as the first, remember to only turn the knob to ¾ to Medium—around 3 minutes 40 seconds.

Taste: 9
50% * 9 = 4.5
Even Surface Color: 9
20% * 9 = 1.8
Consecutive Usability: 6
30% * 6 = 1.8
  • Function: Toast
  • Number Of Slices: 4
  • Toast Level: 1/2 Medium
  • Cooking Time: 4 m
  • Second Batch: 4 m
  • Convection: Low (default)

During our Toast test, the Light toast level—around 2 minutes 30 seconds on the timer—gave no color and the Medium one—around 5 minutes on the timer—was too brown even though the color was even. We determined that right in the middle of Medium and Light toast level—around 4 minutes on the timer—was the best option scoring an 8.1/10.

Toasting bread for 4 minutes with the Cuisinart produced 4 pieces with a beautiful golden color throughout thanks to the deployment of the convection fan. This oven was the first one to score a 9/10 for even toast surface color.

The first batch of toast was quite crispy yet very soft inside, worthy of a 9/10. Our head chef Tuyet Pham determined they would be great to go with sandwiches, omelet, and eggs benedict. For soup, however, they didn’t cut the mustard but that could be rectified with the extra crispiness of a second batch.

While the second batch had a brown color, it had a few dark spots so it got a 6/10 for consecutive usability. If you want the second batch to be the same as the first, remember to lower it down to Light—around 2 minutes 30 seconds.

5.5

Pizza

9.6
Cooking Time: 0
20% * 0 = 0.0
Crust: 6
20% * 6 = 1.2
Toppings: 7.5
30% * 7.5 = 2.3
Taste: 7
30% * 7 = 2.1
  • Function: Bake
  • Temperature:  450°F
  • Cooking Time: 10m 30s
  • Convection:  No

The Hamilton didn’t perform well in baking a 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza scoring a 5.6/10.

Compared to the recommended 10 minutes on the label, the oven took only a tad bit longer at 10m 30s. However, this meant that it failed the cooking time criterion with 10 minutes being the time limit for our Pizza test.

For the most part, the crust didn’t have a good toasted coloring and was soft so it got a 6/10. The toppings had pretty good caramelization but some darkened areas of the cheese lowered the score to 7.5/10. After tasting the pizza, our chef gave it a 7/10.

Cooking Time: 10
20% * 10 = 2.0
Crust: 9.2
20% * 9.2 = 1.8
Toppings: 9.8
30% * 9.8 = 2.9
Taste: 9.5
30% * 9.5 = 2.9
  • Function: Bake with high convection
  • Temperature: 450°F
  • Cooking Time: 3m 30s
  • Convection: High

The Cuisinart baked a very appetizing 9-inch thick-crust meat pizza scoring a 9.6/10 despite using only the included baking pan.

Compared to the recommended 10 minutes on the label, it only took 3m 30s to bake the pizza which was extremely fast. In comparison to other toaster ovens in our Pizza test, it deserved a whopping 10/10.

The crust came out a tempting golden brown with some nicely charred spots—if a little soft due to the short cooking time. Thus, it got a 9.2/10.

The pizza itself also had excellent even coloring all over from the good convection system. Thanks to the high and steady temperature, the melted cheese was also perfectly caramelized earning it a 9.8/10.

After tasting, our chef gave the pizza a 9.5/10.

1.0

Whole Roasted Chicken

8.5
Cooking Time: 0
20% * 0 = 0.0
Skin: 5
20% * 5 = 1.0
Doneness: 0
20% * 0 = 0.0
Taste: 0
40% * 0 = 0.0
  • Function: Rotisserie
  • Temperature: 350°F
  • Cooking Time: 1h 30m
  • Convection: No

This was one of the rare occasions where an oven failed the entirety of our Whole Roasted Chicken test. Our speculations concerned the instability of the heating elements and the fact that the chicken grazed the upper safeguard during cooking.

After 1h 30m—our time limit, the oven wasn’t able to roast the chicken to a desirable outcome and failed the first criterion. After roasting, the skin had no noticeable caramelization and barely enough for a 5/10.

The chicken reached an internal temperature of 176°F which was quite good. However, the meat itself was undercooked and still pink in a lot of areas. Thus, it was another failure. Due to the meat being undercooked, our chef couldn’t taste it to give a score.

Cooking Time: 9
20% * 9 = 1.8
Skin: 9.5
20% * 9.5 = 1.9
Doneness: 8
20% * 8 = 1.6
Taste: 8
40% * 8 = 3.2
  • Function: Bake with high convection
  • Temperature: 350°F
  • Cooking Time: 50m
  • Convection: Yes

Following our Whole Roasted Chicken test, we placed a 3 lb chicken inside an air fryer basket on top of a baking pan and it fit without a problem. Although the air fryer basket had plenty of space, the pan was quite rigid so we had to be extra careful when taking it out to flip the chicken.

Unfortunately, while cooking the chicken, fat splashed everywhere inside the oven leading to some smoking. All things considered, the Cuisinart earned an 8.5/10 for this test—on par with a good toaster oven that uses a rotisserie kit like the Instant Omni Plus 18L.

It took 50 minutes to roast, which is shorter than average and deserving of a 9/10.

Despite not having a rotisserie kit, we were able to achieve adequately crispy skin with an even golden brown color scoring a 9.5/10. We did it by spreading the chicken out and flipping it after the first 40 minutes of cooking.

High convection and flipping helped the chicken to be thoroughly cooked without any pink spots in just 50 minutes. However, the internal temperature was a little too high at 205-207°F compared to the USDA recommended 165°F-180°F, so it got an 8/10.

Due to being spread out, the wings were extremely crispy and deliciously fall-off-the-bone. However, the wings and the breast ended up a little dry so our chef gave the chicken an 8/10 for taste.

4.0

Baked French Fries

9.2
Cooking Time: 0
20% * 0 = 0.0
Color: 5
20% * 5 = 1.0
Texture: 5
20% * 5 = 1.0
Taste: 5
40% * 5 = 2.0
  • Function: Bake
  • Temperature: 400°F
  • Cooking Time: 30 m
  • Convection: No

The Hamilton Beach wasn’t suitable for baking 12 oz of french fries scoring only a 4/10.

There were no noticeable changes to the fries after 30 minutes of baking in this oven. Due to our time limit of 25 minutes, this constituted a failure in the cooking time section of our Baked French Fries test.

There was no change in the fries’ color so they received a 5/10. The oven basically thawed and heated the fries so they were very soggy scoring another 5/10. Our chef could only give the fries a minimal score of 5/10 for taste.

Cooking Time: 10
20% * 10 = 2.0
Color: 9.5
20% * 9.5 = 1.9
Texture: 9.2
20% * 9.2 = 1.8
Taste: 8.7
40% * 8.7 = 3.5
  • Function: Bake with high convection
  • Temperature: 400°F
  • Cooking Time: 12m
  • Convection: High

The Cuisinart baked some excellent french fries scoring a 9.2/10.

It took only 12 minutes to cook 12 oz of french fries which was very fast. In fact, it’s the fastest one throughout our Baked French Fries test so far so it scored a perfect 10/10.

Due to the shorter cooking time than ideal, the color wasn’t entirely even but was good enough for a 9.5/10.

The fries were crispy and golden on the outside while moist on the inside thanks to the strong convection and the air fryer basket. Thus, we gave it a 9.2/10 for texture.

Our chef gave it an 8.7/10 for taste.

No Stand-Out Features

Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Toaster Oven Design

Cuisinart Air Fryer TOA-60 Design Review: Simple but Effective
3.6
design Scores
  • Exterior (20%)4.0/10
  • Interior (30%)1.0/10
  • Build Quality (50%)5.0/10
9.2
design Scores
  • Exterior (20%)9.0/10
  • Interior (30%)9.5/10
  • Build Quality (50%)9.0/10

In the Hamilton Beach Countertop Toaster Oven Box

In the Box
  • Model: 31401
  • Warranty: 1-year limited in the US and 5-year limited in Canada
  • User Manual
  • Baking Rack
  • Baking Pan
  • Removable Crumb Tray

Inside the packaging are the Hamilton Beach oven, a baking rack, a baking pan, a removable crumb tray, and a simple user manual.

  • Model: TOA-60
  • Warranty: 3 years (US and Canada only)
  • User Manual
  • Baking Rack
  • Baking Pan
  • Air Fryer Basket

The user manual provides numerous recipes with all the ingredient measurements, specific cooking functions, temperatures, and times. The package also comes with a simple instruction to register your Cuisinart for premium customer service, special offers, and more. Within the warranty period, the manufacturer has their own satisfaction guarantee policy.

4.0

Exterior

9.0
  • Weight:
    5.4 lbs (2.4 kg)
  • Length:
    15.0" (38.0 cm)
  • Width:
    12.2" (31.0 cm)
  • Height:
    8.5" (21.6 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Color:
    Silver
  • Door Handle:
    cool-touch
  • Tray Indicators:
    No
  • Crumb Tray:
    Removable

The Hamilton Beach has a stainless steel exterior, a back buffer to prevent the oven from being too close to the wall, and a cool-touch door handle. However, the back buffer isn’t designed to wrap the power cord around, unlike many other toaster ovens.

  • Weight:
    21.0 lbs (9.5 kg)
  • Length:
    16.3" (41.5 cm)
  • Width:
    15.2" (38.5 cm)
  • Height:
    13.6" (34.5 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Color:
    Silver
  • Door Handle:
    Cool-touch
  • Tray Indicators:
    No
  • Crumb Tray:
    Slide-out

With its simple design, the slide-out crumb tray of the Cuisinart really stands out. The side handles make it easy to carry. It also has two buffers on the back to prevent the oven from being too close to the wall.

Our measurements of the oven’s footprint of 16.34" x 15.16" x 13.58" pretty much coincided with the manufacturer’s 16" x 15.5" x 14" with marginal differences being less than an inch.

Control Panel

Cuisinart TOA-60 Control Panel
  • Type:
    3 control knobs
  • Temperature:
    100°F - 450°F
  • Timer:
    1 minute - 30 minutes + stay-on
  • Indicator Light:
    Yes
  • Status Bar:
    No
  • Light Toggle:
    No
  • Convection Toggle:
    No
  • Rotation Toggle:
    No
  • Automatic Preheat:
    No
  • Audio Cues:
    No

The Hamilton Beach has three simple control knobs for Temperature, Function, and Timer. Even though the timer is only from 1 minute to 30 minutes, it has a stay-on position. 1 minute to 30 minutes, it has a stay-on position.

  • Type:
    4 control knobs
  • Temperature:
    200°F - 450°F
  • Timer:
    1 - 60 minutes
  • Indicator Light:
    Yes
  • Status Bar:
    No
  • Light Toggle:
    Yes
  • Convection Toggle:
    No
  • Rotation Toggle:
    No
  • Automatic Preheat:
    No
  • Audio Cues:
    No

The control panel is completely analog with four control knobs and a light toggle

Cooking Functions of the Hamilton Beach 31401 Toaster Oven

Cooking Functions
  • Toast
  • Bake
  • Broil

If you know your way around the kitchen, the bake and broil functions will be all you need. The temperature knob has a Min setting which can act as Keep Warm and maintain the oven at around 100°F.

  • Toast (Light - Medium - Dark)
  • Air fry
  • Bake with low / high convection
  • Broil with low / high convection
  • Warm (200°F)

If you know your way around the kitchen, the bake and broil functions with low or high convection will be all you need.

1.0

Interior

9.5
  • Heating Elements:
    2 quartz
  • Convection Fan:
    No
  • Lighting:
    No
  • Tray Levels:
    2
  • Rotisserie:
    No
  • Safety Hook:
    No

The 31401 has 2 quartz heating elements that cook food using infrared light. To avoid direct contact with baking pans and trays, each one has its own safety guard.

Compared to the more common nichrome heating elements, they produce more heat and cool down faster. In addition, they’re easier to clean and more energy-efficient but not as durable. However, if grease splashes onto the heating elements while cooking, it’ll leave permanent stains.

Nonetheless, the oven suffers from a lack of internal lighting and a convection system, similar to most small units like the Mueller MT-175. Moreover, having only two heating elements may not distribute heat evenly as having four.

  • Heating Elements:
    6 nichrome
  • Convection Fan:
    Yes
  • Lighting:
    Yes
  • Tray Levels:
    2
  • Rotisserie:
    No
  • Safety Hook:
    Tray Level 2

For the Cuisinart, its convection fan runs as standard with most cooking functions except for Warm. It runs on the low setting for Non-Convection settings and on a high setting for Convection settings.

In addition, the oven has two heating elements at the bottom and four at the top which allows for more even heat distribution. It also has an interior light that you can turn on and off with a switch. It only has two tray levels but you can make use of the rack-up and down positions.

Capacity

Capacity of the Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven
  • Length:
    10.9" (27.8 cm)
  • Width:
    9.4" (24.0 cm)
  • Height:
    7.1" (18.0 cm)

The Hamilton Beach, with only two tray levels, can accommodate 4 slices of toast, a 9-inch pizza, or barely a 3 lb chicken. We measured the cooking chamber’s volume to be roughly 12 liters which coincided with the manufacturer’s stated capacity.

  • Length:
    12.6" (32.0 cm)
  • Width:
    11.4" (29.0 cm)
  • Height:
    7.1" (18.0 cm)

Besides a 12-inch pizza or a 4-pound chicken, the TOA-60 is one of the few that actually fits 6 pieces of toast even though just barely. We measured the cooking chamber’s volume to be roughly 17 liters which coincided with the manufacturer’s provided capacity.

Power Cord of the Hamilton Beach 31401 Countertop Toaster Oven

Power Cord
  • Length:
    29.9" (76.0 cm)
  • Type:
    2-prong plug
  • Power:
    1200 W
  • Rated Output:
    120 V ~ 60 Hz

The power cord is long enough for household use.

  • Length:
    29.5" (75.0 cm)
  • Type:
    2-prong plug
  • Power:
    1800 W
  • Rated Output:
    120 V ~ 60 Hz

Even though the power cord length is enough for household use—roughly 29.52", it doesn’t fully wrap around the two back buffers.

Baking Rack

Accessories

Baking Rack
  • Length:
    10.9" (27.8 cm)
  • Width:
    8.8" (22.3 cm)
  • Height:
    0.9" (2.3 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The rack fits perfectly with the guide, which helps prevent accidents when placing your food in the oven. Unfortunately, by burning a batch of toast, we left some extremely stubborn burnt bits on some rods.

  • Length:
    12.6" (32.0 cm)
  • Width:
    11.0" (27.9 cm)
  • Height:
    0.9" (2.4 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The rack fits perfectly with the guide, which helps prevent accidents when placing your food in the oven.

Baking Pan

Accessories

Baking Pan
  • Length:
    9.3" (23.5 cm)
  • Width:
    8.1" (20.5 cm)
  • Height:
    0.7" (1.8 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The baking pan rests on the supports of the baking rack to catch any drippings and meat juice, preventing any mess and the risk of fire from dirty heating elements. However, it doesn’t have a good coating and sustained permanent stains after our Baked French Fries and Whole Roasted Chicken test.

  • Length:
    12.4" (31.6 cm)
  • Width:
    11.0" (27.9 cm)
  • Height:
    0.9" (2.2 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The baking pan has a coating but is not completely non-stick so you may end up with some stubborn stains after a hefty roast. It does, however, easily catch any meat juice and drippings from the air fryer basket. Thus, it prevents mess and avoids any danger of fire from dirty heating elements.

Removable Crumb Tray

Accessories

Air Fryer Basket
  • Length:
    10.9" (27.8 cm)
  • Width:
    8.1" (20.5 cm)
  • Height:
    0.8" (2.0 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Not advisable

Without a tray, falling crumbs are quite a hassle to clean up. However, some can still fall to the bottom of the oven as you remove the tray.

  • Length:
    11.1" (28.2 cm)
  • Width:
    9.4" (24.0 cm)
  • Height:
    2.2" (5.7 cm)
  • Material:
    Stainless steel
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The air fryer basket’s decent elevation really helps to circulate heat around the bottom of the food.

5.0

Build Quality

9.0

The Hamilton uses durable material but its construction isn’t very sturdy. Even though the control knobs turned smoothly, they felt a bit loose.

The build of the Cuisinart TOA-60 nails simplicity and durability from the materials to the user controls. That does, however, make it a little heavier than some of the same-sized ones we’ve tested including the Toshiba AC25CEW-BS and Instant Omni Plus 18L.

It’s also a little taller due to the convection fan being top, rather than side-mounted. Nonetheless, the slide-out crumb tray and carrying handles show attention to convenience.

Not Much Offered

Hamilton Beach 31401 4-Slice Toaster Oven Usability Review

Cuisinart TOA-60 Usability: Limited, but Not Problematic
4.6
usability Scores
  • User Control (30%)7.0/10
  • Ease of Use (50%)3.0/10
  • Cleanability (20%)5.0/10
7.1
usability Scores
  • User Control (30%)7.0/10
  • Ease of Use (50%)7.0/10
  • Cleanability (20%)7.5/10
7.0

User Control

7.0

Even though the Hamilton Beach only has three simple control knobs, there are a few things to keep in mind. For the timer knob, when setting it to less than 10 minutes, always rotate past 10 minutes and then rotate back to the desired time.

It’s also tricky to precisely adjust time and temperature but we didn’t find this to be an issue. You can use an oven thermometer and an external timer to get familiar before eye-balling it.

The Cuisinart has seven settings to choose from including both Broil and Bake with high and low convection. The four control knobs for Time, Temperature, Functions, and Toast are as straightforward as possible.

3.0

Ease of Use

7.0

With three control knobs, it’s very simple to readjust cooking settings. The cooking cycle finishes when the timer reaches Off. When this happens, the oven will ding once and shut off. As it has no digital display, you can freely leave this oven plugged in without worrying about power consumption.

It’s easy to keep the door partially open to let food cool down but be careful as the oven’s exterior gets hot to the touch quite quickly. However, opening the door doesn’t stop the oven, unlike some others.

The safety hook for tray level 2 allows you to partially slide out the baking rack or tray to reposition the food during cooking. However, this feature makes it quite tricky to remove the tray or rack.

Although the oven has good heat insulation, the casing can still get quite hot to the touch after 400°F, especially after a long cooking time. After the oven finishes cooking, you will hear a very clear ding.

Opening the oven door stops it from cooking while also turning off the light but doesn’t stop the timer. Having no digital display, you can freely leave this oven plugged in and not worry about power consumption.

5.0

Cleanability

7.5

The Hamilton Beach oven’s exterior and interior were easy to clean following the steps of our toaster oven cleaning guide. Due to the chicken touching the upper safeguard during cooking, there were some caramelized bits stuck to it. Nonetheless, they were easy to remove with just dish soap and a sponge.

We accidentally burnt a batch of toast during our test and it caught fire which led to some discoloration on the oven’s exterior. Luckily, we were able to remove most of it with an all-purpose cleaner.

What surprised us the most, however, were the permanent stains left on the baking pan. Even after we applied a paste of baking soda and water and then scrubbed it with diluted vinegar, the stains didn’t budge at all.

We cleaned the Cuisinart following our toaster oven cleaning guide. The internal and external coating of the oven made it easy to clean. It does have some tricky nooks and crannies but all in all, they’re not too difficult.

Cleaning up the crumbs was extremely easy thanks to the slide-out crumb tray but we still had to tilt the oven to remove all the crumbs. We thought the fishnet design of the air fryer basket might make it difficult to clean any caramelized bits of food but that didn’t happen.

During the roasting of a whole chicken, fat splattered everywhere inside the oven. It left some stubborn stains on the insulators at the ends of the heating elements. Even with a paste of baking soda and water, we weren’t able to remove them.

Fortunately, there were no drippings on the crumb tray so no worries of oxidation. In addition, we’re happy to report that the gaps between the heating elements and internal walls were large enough to clean.